Several dispersed camping areas surround Rimrock Lake near Naches, Washington, with South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping and Fish Creek Dispersed offering free primitive sites along rivers and creeks. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area provides secluded free camping about 2 hours from Naches, requiring visitors to enter through a gate that must be closed after passing. A Washington Discover Pass is needed for this area.
Most dispersed sites have minimal or no amenities. The roads to these areas are often challenging, with campers noting "very steep and rocky" conditions that require high-clearance vehicles, especially at L.T. Murray. A visitor commented, "We took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. trailer. We drove up a rocky dirt road, single lane with pull outs, for about 20 mins." Many sites feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire bans are common. Cell service varies by location, with some areas maintaining surprisingly good connectivity despite their remote setting.
"Nice spot, just off the highway. Several level spots. Right on the river. Perfect location, fire ring, no water or potty. Ideal for slide in pickup camper, small trailer or tent camp."
"Was a great place to camp right off the highway, the river drowned out the sounds of cars and was very nice to listen to during night time."
"**Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area ** Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg."
"After figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro."
"Due to state fire ban requirements, absolutely no campfires or fire rings are allowed on-site. Also, the mosquitoes can get bad, so make sure you come well-prepared with bug spray or netting!"
"Driving here from Graham washington, I passed so many camp spots I was shook lol."
"Multiple spots located along NF 580. Saw several big goosenecks and some tent campers. Plenty of site with space and fire rings. Be mindful of fires are allowed at the time you visit."
"Plenty of places to choose from, if you want you can be next to the river. Right off the road, good cell signal."
"The sites on the peninsula are pretty great, great distance between each other, fire pits, the basics.. the trash is rampant. Some shady looking individuals, too."
"There is great fishing here, however you can’t fish in the river, you have to fish either in the lake/reservoir or further upstream because the camping area is a breading zone for an endangered fish."
from $8 / night
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
"If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake."
"Has toilets around area, didnt check them as my rig is self sufficient. No other service though but out here it doesnt matter. Pack in pack out. Has fire rings all over!"
"1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it. "
"I made it up to the lake in July. There were too many ppl for the small campground on this weekend. "
"Plenty of campsites around the small lake that are right up next to the water, but to get the good spots, It's first come first serve."
ScoutIt was fairly easy to get to this area however despite our best efforts we only found one established campsite with a fire ring. Road getting here was mostly paved with some debris on the roadway. We lost GPS signal just before arriving and passed NF200. I gave 3 stars because we were unable to locate other sites. Maybe it was just me but we drove quite a while on NF200 and only found the one right at the entrance.
RangerIt was MAGICAL- mushrooms, fall leaves, and moss everywhere. Keep in mind that there’s no signal, Starlink nor cell.. we also were freezing at night (35 degrees) in early October and the spots were tricky for our bigger rig. But if you have a smaller rig there’s tons of places off of road 73 for dispersed camping. Bumpy road to get there but keep on driving and you’ll find places with even firepits.
ScoutDriving here from Graham washington, I passed so many camp spots I was shook lol. Amazing camp site for free, I believe u need discover pass. the water is beautiful not many people here so many spots by the water Amazing, where i am u definitely need high clearance to even be close to water, Unless u tent camp away from your vehicle which is not far there are a lot of spots everywhere. The water moves fast and your up high bring your hammocks.
RangerNot far off main road, and gravel road not bad at all. Absolutely no cell coverage, a few designated spots.
ScoutLots of camper trailers, basically a cow field. If you want a private spot you have to traverse a sketchy road that if you don't have awd and decent tires and ground clearance you'll be screwed.
LegendThe reviews here seem to be from two different places
Parking lot up by the logging operation is fine
Down the road by the creek is a bunch of permanent trailers
Be nice if people reviewed the proper spots
ScoutWe attempted to go here. We followed "the dyrt" and then clicked on recreation dot gov link for driving directions which told us to take HWY 12 to SR1200 then SR1000. We even looked it up on google maps and it seemed totally do-able. We'll we made it about 7 miles on SR1000 and came to the top of a very very steep incline. Sent a scout vehicle ahead and they couldn't make it across a big gulley. Saw another small Ford truck attempting to cross towards us at the same area, and they bottomed out and had to turn around. We also had to turn back down SR1000 and go all the way back to HWY 12. We were trying to haul a 24ft travel trailer. Its completely impossible as of 9/2026. Find alternate route, because that SR1000 is dangerous trying to haul a trailer or a camper. Not to mention, the beginning of SR1200 was super narrow and sketchy.
ScoutWe left someone left trash everywhere
ScoutWas a beautiful spot - road was a bit more narrow and rocky than we expected, but there are a few spots you can pull up before the narrow part of the road. Once you go up, there are a couple spots with really nice views. We were there on a Thursday and no one else was there!
Dispersed camping areas near Naches, Washington span elevations from 2,400 to 3,500 feet, featuring predominantly Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests. Most sites become accessible by late May, though higher elevations like Granite Lake might have snow until mid-June. Cell service varies dramatically between areas, with surprising connectivity at White River but almost none at Clear Lake.
Fishing the waterways: South Fork Tieton area offers good fishing spots, though regulations apply. A camper noted, "Near this area there are a lot of activities. Biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking... to name a few!"
Waterfall hunting: Fill water containers from natural sources along forest roads. One White River visitor shared, "We went into Mt Ranier nat park and filled a 40 gallon tank from a waterfall along the road then pumped it into the rv."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around rustic camping near Naches provide opportunities to spot elk, deer and wild turkeys. At L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, a camper experienced, "We saw large elk, deer, many birds, and were visited by some wild turkeys in the night."
Natural soundscapes: Many campers appreciate the river sounds that mask road noise. A White River Dispersed Camping reviewer noted, "The river noise also does a great job of masking any sounds from the nearby road, making for a peaceful, immersive nature stay."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear skies offer excellent night viewing. One visitor to L.T. Murray Wildlife Area shared, "The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible."
Private beaches: Several sites feature small private river access. A White River camper found, "The second night, I managed to find a spot tucked super far in that had a small private beach. It was farther from the road so you couldn't see or hear anything."
Gate protocols: Some areas require passing through gates that must be closed. A visitor to L.T. Murray Wildlife Area explained, "After figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro."
Weekend crowds: Weekdays offer much more solitude than weekends. A Clear Lake Campgrounds visitor advised, "If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors."
Water sources: Natural springs provide drinking water near some sites. One camper at Fish Creek shared, "As far as drinking water, it's not available at the site, but there is a natural spring down the road about a mile and a half. It's clean and drinkable."
Best timing for sites: For rustic camping spots near Naches with children, arrive by Thursday for weekend camping. A Fish Creek Dispersed visitor explained, "I camp here every year and it's always tough to get the spot you want unless you get there by Thursday."
Swimming holes: Kids enjoy cooling off in designated swimming areas. A reviewer noted, "There is a bridge we normally jump off, however they have signs up saying it's not permitted. As long as you're being safe, nobody cares."
Bring insect protection: Bugs can be prevalent in summer months. One camper at Ranger Creek warned, "Oh! Lots of bugs everywhere so be warned."
Road difficulty ratings: Many forest roads require high clearance. An RVer at Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed advised, "For larger rigs - take the second left at a Y-intersection, and then keep to the left and you won't have any trouble getting in. Going to the right at the Y takes you to an area that big rigs might have trouble finding spots or turning around."
Trailer navigation: Specific routing information helps with towing. A visitor to L.T. Murray Wildlife Area shared, "We towed our 24 ft trailer up this road which turned out fine but definitely pushed the limits."
Off-season advantages: Visiting during fall offers better conditions for larger rigs. A Ranger Creek visitor recommended, "Best in late fall when it's cooler. Less loud drunkards. Can fit large RV's down a half mile rough road."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Naches?
Dispersed camping in the Naches area is generally primitive with minimal amenities. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed offers basic facilities with three pit toilets spread across the area and costs $5/night. L.T. Murray Wildlife Area provides spacious sites with natural privacy but no developed facilities. Most dispersed sites in Naches feature established fire rings or rock rings for campfires (subject to seasonal fire restrictions), but typically lack picnic tables, running water, trash service, or electrical hookups. Some areas near Silver Springs have absolutely no cell reception, while others may have very weak coverage. Always pack in all necessary supplies including water, and be prepared to pack out all waste.
Where can I find free dispersed camping in Naches, WA?
The Naches area offers several free dispersed camping opportunities. South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping provides numerous sites along the river with established fire rings (when no burn bans are in effect). White River Dispersed Camping is another excellent option with multiple access points from the road, located conveniently outside Mt. Rainier National Park. High clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas. Other free options include Old Bluett Pass Road with roadside spots suitable for car or van camping, and various sites throughout the Naches Ranger District. Most dispersed camping in this area follows the standard 14-day stay limit and requires practicing Leave No Trace principles.
When is the best season for dispersed camping in Naches, Washington?
Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping in Naches. Silver Springs Sno Park is accessible during warmer months with its large gravel parking area just outside Mt. Rainier National Park. Dispersed near Salmon la Sac provides forest service road access that can be weather-dependent. Summer brings excellent conditions but also higher visitor numbers, especially on holiday weekends. Early fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Many forest service roads and higher elevation sites may be inaccessible during winter and early spring due to snow. Always check current conditions and road access before heading out, as seasonal closures and weather can impact accessibility.
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